Late goal takes Bejaia to CAF Cup final

Johannesburg (AFP) – Faouzi Rahal scored in the final minute to snatch a 1-1 draw for Mouloudia Bejaia of Algeria at FUS Rabat of Morocco on Monday and secure a CAF Confederation Cup final place.

First-time African competitors Bejaia won the semi-final on away goals after the first leg finished 0-0 last weekend.

The ‘Crabs’ will meet 2013 runners-up TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo in the two-leeged final with the matches scheduled for late October and early November.

Rahal scored his first goal in the African equivalent of the Europa League by firing past goalkeeper Abderahmane El Houassli from close range after a free-kick was not cleared.

FUS, shock winners of the competition in 2010, responded to the equaliser by laying siege to the Bejaia goalmouth during stoppage time.

The Moroccans forced two corners, but were unable to regain the lead at the 10,000-seat Stade Prince Moulay Al Hassan in Rabat.

Mohamed Nahiri put the home side ahead on 73 minutes, shooting past goalkeeper Chamseddine Rahmani from close range after Bejaia failed to clear a cross.

Mouloudia, who are based in an east Algerian port city, scored just four goals but conceded only four in 10 matches en route to the final.

Mazembe also qualified on away goals after a 0-0 draw with title-holders Etoile Sahel of Tunisia in Lubumbashi on Sunday. The first leg ended 1-1.